Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Centre & Nursery in Aldridge
William Wheat & Son is a family-run garden centre nestled in the heart of Aldridge, offering a unique blend of horticultural expertise, community spirit, and enchanting experiences. Established in 1937, we have cultivated a reputation for providing high-quality plants, expert advice, and a welcoming environment for all visitors. Our team, led by third-generation horticulturist Brian Wheat, grows over 2,000 hanging baskets annually and maintains a comprehensive nursery with bedding plants, shrubs, and seasonal displays. Beyond gardening, we offer a charming Waterside Caf overlooking Bourne Pool and the whimsical Fairy Trail, creating a destination for families and nature enthusiasts.With daily fresh flower deliveries, bespoke floristry services, and a commitment to local charities, we combine tradition with innovation to serve our community. Our heritage is rooted in Bill Wheat's original vision of quality and customer care, which continues to guide our operations today. From practical gardening supplies to magical experiences, we strive to nurture a shared love for nature through every service we provide.
Services
Floristry
Garden Centre
Nursery
Fairy Trail
Waterside Caf
Details
- Year established: 1937
Highlights and features
- We offer three generations of horticultural expertise since 1937
- Our nursery produces over 2,000 premium hanging baskets annually
- Bespoke floristry with daily fresh flower deliveries from Dutch markets
- Family-friendly destination featuring the award-winning Fairy Trail
- Locally-sourced plants and expert gardening advice from knowledgeable staff
Services
Floristry
Our floristry department creates bespoke floral arrangements for every occasion. From single roses to elaborate displays, our florists ensure optimum freshness with daily deliveries and 2000 Cu.Ft. refrigerated storage. We specialise in sympathy flowers and collaborate with local funeral directors for bespoke tributes.
Nursery
The nursery grows bedding plants, pot plants and hanging baskets across three generations. Brian Wheat and his team produce over 2,000 hanging baskets annually, including specialist lines like fuchsias and seasonal displays. Our plants are available from January to December with special planting events throughout the year.
Fairy Trail
The enchanted woodland trail features fairies, unicorns and gnomes alongside Bourne Pool. This free attraction includes a charity initiative supporting Birmingham Children's Hospital and other local causes. Visitors can explore fairy homes and purchase accessories from our dedicated fairy shop.
Waterside Caf
Overlooking Bourne Pool, our caf serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea daily. The menu includes sandwiches, hot meals and specialty teas with gluten-free and vegetarian options. Bookings are required for afternoon tea, featuring traditional scones, cakes and unlimited beverages.
Garden Centre
Our garden centre offers a comprehensive range of plants, tools and gardening supplies. The Cool Greenhouse provides seasonal plants from spring colour bowls to winter cyclamen. Shrub area features trees, climbers and perennials sourced from UK and European suppliers with expert staff assistance available.
People
Brian Wheat
Nursery Manager
Third-generation horticulturist managing the nursery since 1994. Specialises in hanging basket production and plant cultivation. Oversees the growing team and maintains quality standards established by founder Bill Wheat.
Questions
What are the Fairy Trail opening times?
The Fairy Trail is open daily during garden centre hours: 10am-4:30pm Mon-Sat and 10am-4pm Sundays.
Can I bring my own hanging baskets for replanting?
Yes, we offer a refill service for hanging baskets and pots. Bring them in April/May for summer planting or September for winter displays.
Do you deliver plants locally?
Yes, our floristry department offers local flower delivery. For larger plant orders, please contact us directly to arrange delivery options.
Is the Waterside Café open all year?
The café operates year-round with seasonal menus. Food service runs until 2:30pm daily with drinks available until 3:30pm.
How can I book afternoon tea?
Reservations require a minimum 24-hour notice. Call 0121 580 8880 to book, with a £5 deposit per person required for groups.
What gardening advice services are available?
Our knowledgeable staff provide free plant identification, pest diagnosis and gardening advice. We also offer planting guides and seasonal growing tips.
Reviews (7)
Cathryn O'Gorman
Dec 13, 2021
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A lovely garden centre with knowledgeable and approachable staff. The cafe is delightful and all the staff are a pleasure(especially the manager Ann). Nothing is too much trouble.
Guy Dennis
Nov 14, 2021
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Brilliant, lovely setting by the lakes but obviously too cold for the outdoor cafe. Plenty of seats inside with friendly staff at hand should you need them.
Martin King
Nov 02, 2021
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Went here for breakfast and was a little disappointed by the quality. Admittedly we were there at 11:00 but the bacon and mushrooms seemed over cooked as if it had been kept warm for a long time. They have a system that they have an employee designated to clear and clean tables so don't be surprised if another employee brings your drinks but doesn't clear the table. It will s a nice place and with a little improvements here and there, it would be a 5 star recommendation.
Mike Hawes
Oct 14, 2021
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A really delightful family owned Garden Centre with excellent knowledgeable staff on hand to help. We've purchased many shrubs and bedding plants from here as well as garden hardware. There is a lovely cafe with a wonderful range of food and drinks. We regularly have a coffee and snack here, today a full English breakfast which was great. Highly recommended
Jst
Oct 05, 2021
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Great place to shop for the garden. Lovely old style shopping experience. Garden shop is great. Always something unusual in the nursery.
David Butler
Sep 15, 2021
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Lovely garden centre, great selection of plants and pots. Nice cafe, if a little on the pricey side and lovely lake in the grounds. Well worth a visit.
Richard Newman
Aug 30, 2021
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Went with my wife and daughter, lovely garden centre with a cafe set next to a large pond with ducks and fish. My daughter loved the Fairy trail just as much as we did. Also had a vast array of plants and garden paraphernalia. Will definitely recommend and will return soon.
